Police summer drink and drug drive World Cup warning

Fans enjoying the football World Cup are being urged to remember Dorset Police’s drink and drug drive message.

The Force launched its summer campaign on Sunday 1 June and is reminding motorists to ensure they are fit to drive the morning after drinking.

This year’s initiative has been extended for the first time to coincide with late opening hours in bars and pubs showing the FIFA World Cup matches.

Inspector Matt Butler, from Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the World Cup, whether they are watching the games on the big screen in the pub or at home. But I urge everyone not to risk their life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking. Please make arrangements before you go out about how you are going to get home – book or taxi or sort a lift.

“I would also like to remind motorists that the morning after drinking can be just as dangerous as the night before. If you have been drinking, there is a strong chance that you may not be fit to drive the morning after. Please take a minute the next morning to ask yourself: Am I fit to drive? If the answer is no, then it is simply not worth the risk.”

Anyone caught drink driving will face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence during the campaign will have their name and court appearance details released to the media. Custody images of those convicted could also be released to the media.

To date, 13 people have been charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence. Police will continue to use information submitted by the public to target suspected offenders of drink and drug driving throughout the campaign.

Inspector Butler said: “If a member of the public suspects someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they should dial 999 immediately and report the details to the police so that we can intercept the vehicle.”

Dorset Police will be taking to Twitter to remind motorists of the drink and drug drive campaign and to inform the public how many drivers have been charged each day. Follow @dorsetpolice and look out for the #DPSummerDrinkDrive